big baldy

I'm very excited to see where this blog will go and to document my experiences of the outdoors. I'm also hoping that this site rocks my final, but I guess we'll see about that :)

My most recent trip out was hiking Big Baldy about two weeks ago. There was still a lot of snow on the top and I occasionally found that I had fallen waist deep in a snow bank (which was definitely something to laugh about). I especially like this hike because I do it every year and I think the view is incredible. It can be a little tough if you're not in very good shape, but it's a beautiful hike.

Directions.
You start the hike at Dry Canyon parking lot. The trailhead is on the east side by the fence. Follow the trail up to Baldy (it generally goes to the left at forks). It's not a very confusing trail. There is one fork with a sign, keep going forward, don't go right, that goes to little Baldy and you want Big Baldy. Once you get over the ridge onto the saddle, the trail resumes to your left and follows the ridge line out to the top. If you want a short way down (not the way you came up), continue the trail down the ridge (there are some bushwhacking moments) and there is a faint trail that goes down the face of Baldy back to the beginning of the original trail. It'll save you a lot of distance but at times can be pretty steep so be careful. I personally like to get to the top of Baldy right before sunset so that I can enjoy the incredibly beautiful view with the best light and then I hike down the face right after the sun goes down. Make sure to bring a flashlight if that is your plan. And as always, bring plenty of water, food, first aid just in case and always tell someone where you're going if you're hiking alone.